Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Announces Personalized Services to Assist Minnesotans Experiencing Financial Hardship

Business Wire, April 15, 2003

Business Editors

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 2003

Minnesota's largest state-based credit union offers personalized

solutions at branches throughout the state to transition members

from financial hardship to financial stability.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union announced today the availability of personalized financial solutions to all Minnesotans experiencing financial hardship. In today's turbulent economic times, financial hardship is affecting people throughout the state, but the loss of a job or a reduction in salary is not the only source of financial despair. For many Minnesotans, events such as divorce, illness, the loss of a loved one, serving in the military, etc. may seriously impact their personal finances. In reality, financial hardship is not defined by any specific set of criteria, but by unique individual circumstances and personal needs that each requires a personalized solution.

"At Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, our charge is clear -- do whatever is right for the member," said Dave Larson, director of branch services. "Each and every employee of our company is empowered to work with members to determine and implement personalized financial solutions that will ease them through financial hardship. These solutions may have one or many components, such as gap loans between past and current income, short-term hardship loans, consolidation loans, interest-only payments on existing loans, deferring payments, waiving fees, etc., but there is no 'cookie-cutter' plan. We are truly committed to do whatever it takes to develop a personalized solution for each member that will ease him or her through the hardship without compromising long-term financial stability." Larson went on to explain that this hardship program offered by Affinity Plus is not just for existing members, but for any Minnesotan in need of assistance. "Through a broad range of eligibility criteria, one in two Minnesotans is automatically eligible for membership. And for those who do not meet any of the criteria, membership is available through the Affinity Plus Foundation -- a non-profit organization chartered to promote sound personal financial education, understanding and management in Minnesota."

At a recent presentation to the Minnesota chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Larson received a resounding welcome from the group's delegates who gathered in Bloomington on April 4, 2003 for its annual meeting. "Affinity Plus is all about community and doing what's right for our members," Larson explained to the 750 participants. "Since we are member-owned, our goal is to work with each and every member through hardship, as well as prosperity, to provide sound financial solutions, the greatest return, the lowest rates, and a solid relationship they can count on...for life." In addition to presenting the financial and relationship aspects of Affinity Plus' member commitment, Larson offered the delegates a packet of valuable information to share with their local constituents on dealing with the emotions of life changes, how to cut expenses in times of hardship, and how to begin seeking new employment.

Any individual or association interested in learning more about personalized solutions for financial hardship is strongly encouraged to contact the nearest branch of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union for more information. A complete list of Affinity plus Federal Credit Union branch locations and phone numbers follows; maps are available at the company's Web site at www.affinityplus.org

Arden Hills   3533 Lexington Ave. N.                    (651) 291-3700
              Arden Hills, MN 55126
Bemidji       1510 Bemidji Ave. N.                      (218) 759-9849
              Bemidji, MN 56601
Brainerd      406 W. Washington St.                     (218) 829-5552
              Brainerd, MN 56401
Cambridge     1011 E. Highway 95, Suite 120             (763) 689-9110
              Cambridge, MN 55008
Duluth        Village Mall, 2304 Mountain Shadow Dr.    (218) 722-4004
              Duluth, MN 55811
Faribault     25 NW 4th St., Suite 104                  (507) 332-2070
              Faribault, MN 55021
Fergus Falls  1005 Pebble Lake Road, Suite 108          (218) 739-6072
              Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Grand Rapids  535 E. Highway 2                          (218) 326-4314
              Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Lakeville     17555 Kenwood Trail                       (651) 291-3700
              Lakeville, MN 55044
Mankato       Room 13B, MSU 57                          (507) 389-2146
              Mankato, MN 56002
Minneapolis   2520 University Ave. SE                   (651) 291-3700
              Minneapolis, MN 55414
              50 South Sixth Street, Suite 200          (651) 291-3700
              Minneapolis, MN 55402
Moorhead      Minn. St. Univ., 615 14th Street South    (218) 287-8833
              Moorhead, MN 56563
              635 Center Ave.                           (218) 236-7093
              Moorhead, MN 56560
Roseville     2730 Snelling Ave. N.                     (651) 291-3700
              Roseville, MN 55113
Rochester     3482 55th Street N.W.                     (507) 285-0352
              Rochester, MN 55901
St. Cloud     720 4th Ave. S.                           (320) 654-5474
              St. Cloud, MN 56301
St. Paul      95 Sherburne Ave.                         (651) 291-3700
              St. Paul, MN 55103
              Headquarters: 175 W. Lafayette Rd.        (651) 291-3700
              St. Paul, MN 55107
Winona        111 Riverfront, Suite 100                 (507) 454-1593
              Winona, MN 55987